Criminal Defense

Although the terms “kidnapping” and “abduction” are often used interchangeably, legally speaking, they can be two different, distinct criminal offenses in some states. Both crimes are serious felonies. Kidnapping is the forcible stealing or carrying away of a person by force, threat, deceit, or with intent to cause the kidnapped person harm. Abduction involves persuading […]

In January 2025, two people were arrested after a Lake County K9, Duke, sniffed out drugs during a traffic stop. After conducting a “free air sniff” around the vehicle’s exterior, Duke alerted to the presence of narcotics. The police searched the vehicle and found over half a kilogram of cocaine powder. Many people have not

After being arrested for a criminal offense in Illinois, you may wonder if you are eligible for a deferred prosecution agreement. These programs offer non-violent or first-time offenders a way to avoid a criminal conviction and the associated consequences. Rather than go through the incredible stress of a trial, wondering whether you will soon be

Joining a gang might seem like a way to find support, protection, or a sense of belonging, but it often leads to serious legal trouble. Many gang members face criminal charges — even if they did not directly commit a crime themselves. In Illinois, police and prosecutors take gang-related crimes very seriously, and a conviction

Getting arrested can be shocking. When you are being deprived of your freedom and forcibly placed in handcuffs, your instinct might be to resist, especially if you did not commit the crime you are being arrested for. While pulling away or trying to defend yourself in response to having force used against you may simply

Even if you are not doing anything untoward, having the police come to your door can be scary. Police rarely announce the purpose of their visit before making contact with someone inside, so you may not find out why they are there unless you speak to them. There is no law that says you have

A lot of arrests are made on and around major winter holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Day. People are out celebrating en masse on certain days of the year. Celebrations often include alcohol and family members you may not see often or really get along with. While children are usually excited and joyous, adults

Driving drunk with anyone less than 16 years old in the car is an enhanced DUI offense in Illinois. A first offense is still a misdemeanor, but a second is a felony. This law applies to everyone – it is quite common to see it used against older teenagers who are driving around with their

Heated protests are expected nationwide after the election, regardless of the election’s outcome. Especially if you are in or near a major city like Chicago, IL, you are likely to encounter political protestors. Everyone has a constitutional right to free speech, and political speech in particular is heavily protected. However, there are time, place, and

Young people often leave their home state to attend college elsewhere. Students may come to Illinois because one of our universities offers the particular major they are interested in, is a leader in their field of study, or because they have been awarded a scholarship. Others come because they have family in the area they